Mouth - Body Connection

More and more evidence arises that connects poor oral health – including gum disease – to other disease and ailments such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and respiratory diseases. But where is the connection?

If your mouth is not regularly cleaned, the bacteria in your mouth will accumulate and incite infection in the form of gum disease. The mouth is a pathway to the rest of your body, and bacteria can migrate from there to other parts of your body. Leaking into your blood, the bacteria can kick off infections in your heart, brain or lungs, causing disease or even death.

Also, existing ailments such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases lower your body’s ability to fight infections. With your immune system already strained it’s not as strong to fight the bacteria in your mouth.

Anyone, young or old, is susceptible to gum disease if they do not clean and care for their teeth on a regular basis. If your eyes are the window to the soul, then your smile is the door. It’s important to understand the connection between keeping your mouth, body and soul healthy. Dr. Buttaro can provide you with more in-depth information on your mouth and body connection to overall health.